Tips for Paddle Boarding and Kayaking on Destin Harbor and Crab Island

Are you ready to try stand up paddle boarding on Destin Harbor? This guide will help you understand the general layout of the harbor and navigate all the different areas you can explore from your paddle board. This article is equally relevant to kayaking on Destin Harbor.

Paddle boarding on Destin Harbor is less challenging than the Gulf of Mexico so it’s ideal for beginners. It’s also perfect for anyone like me who enjoys the calmer waters surrounded by classic Destin scenery.

I prefer paddling on Destin Harbor so I can spend less time fighting waves and falling off my board and more time enjoying the views. There is also a lot more to see on the harbor and so many areas to explore from Norriego Point to Harborwalk Village and all the canals and beautiful homes and boats in-between.

I’ve created the map below as a visual guide to this post. The numbers and colors on the map correspond to the information in the paragraphs of this article.

1. Where to Rent Your Paddle Board in Destin

The first step on your paddle adventure is to rent your paddle board. There are several choices along the Destin Harbor Boardwalk and Harborwalk Village.

I would recommend one of the places between Marina Cafe and Boshamps (such as Blue Crab Watersports) for renting a paddle board or kayak. They are centrally located on Destin Harbor (marked on the map above with a red star) right across from the canals.

There are also rental options at Harborwalk Village but if you aren’t planning to go to Harborwalk, then you can save the extra traffic and parking fee by renting at Blue Crab.

You can also decide where to rent from based on where you want to go. Blue Crab is closer to the canals and Boshamps but Harborwalk is closer to Norriego Point and Crab Island. There’s also a better rental option for Crab Island discussed below.

You can access Blue Crab Watersports from Highway 98 in Destin by parking in the designated area of Marina Cafe’s parking lot and walking down the stairs between there and Boshamps restaurant. At the bottom of the stairs you will find a few rental huts on the water.

The other good thing about renting your paddle board at Blue Crab is you will start off in a safe, shallow, and protected inlet where you can practice first before getting out on the busier part of the harbor.

After renting your paddle board, you are ready to go. Below are the different areas to explore on Destin Harbor divided into sections. The section numbers correspond to the numbers on the map above for easy reference.

Where to Launch on Destin Harbor if you have your own Paddle Board

If you have your own paddle board, the best place to put it in the water is at Norriego Point Public Beach.

Norriego Point Beach has a perfect shallow spot to start and it’s right near the parking lot so you don’t have far to walk with your paddle board.

The only exception is if you are going to Crab Island in which case I would recommend a different launch spot. More about that below in the “Paddle Boarding to Crab Island” section.

2. Paddle Boarding the Destin Harbor Canals

My absolute favorite place to paddle board is on the canals of Destin Harbor.

The canals have a rustic, charming feeling of old Destin and many locals love living in this peaceful neighborhood that feels far removed from the newer, more popular tourist areas.

Most visitors don’t know about the harbor canals because they are tucked away on the residential side of the harbor across the water from the tourist activities at Harborwalk Village and the Destin Boardwalk.

There are several canal “streets” to explore. They are all marked on the map in purple.

Every home on the canal is different with its own unique character.

The water in the Destin Harbor Canals is much calmer than it is out in the main part of the harbor so it’s perfect for beginners or people who want a more relaxing paddle experience. You can focus less on balance and more on the beautiful surroundings.

All the canal streets end on a dead-end cul-de-sac so what I like to do is hug one side of the “street” on the way down and come back on the other side. That way I can see all the quaint details up close.

The water is usually so calm here that I am perfectly comfortable sitting down on my board and sipping my coffee while taking pictures. Some boards are more stable than others though so ask about those differences when renting.

This is more of a residential neighborhood than a tourist area and you will often see people out in their yard who will wave as you go by.

It takes a little time to explore all the canals, but in my opinion, this is the best area in Destin for paddle boarding.

I live on the canals and paddle them almost every day so maybe I will see you out there.

3. Paddle Boarding at the End of Destin Harbor

This area is marked in blue on the map. It is where the harbor ends.

There are a few other condo buildings and homes in this area along with the Louisiana Lagniappe restaurant sitting directly on the water here. Look out for pods of dolphins as they can often be found jumping and playing in this protected area.

This spot of the harbor has a shallow “island” at low tide where you can hop off your board and stand up in some spots if you want to take a break (you can see the sand through the shallow water on the map and in the photo above).

I will give you fair warning that it takes a decent amount of time to get down this far so it might be the best area to skip if you are on a time constraint.

4. Paddle Boarding at Norriego Point

Norriego Point is marked on the map in yellow. It is a sandy beach area located across from Harborwalk Village.

Norriego Point is a great stop for lunch or a snack break if you brought a cooler. Just stay out of the fenced areas that are blocked off because new sea oats are growing there.

Construction on Norriego Point began in October of 2017 and was scheduled to be completed between May of 2018 and spring 2019. As of 2023 it is still not completed but there is no sign of construction there currently so it’s open for use.

If you want more information and progress updates for the Norriego Point restoration project, check out this article I wrote: Norriego Point Restoration Progress Update

Now that the stabilization phase of the project is finished, there is an even larger beach area because they have extending the point out further. Soon there will also be walkovers, an access road, and public restrooms (see the future concept image below).

5. Paddle Boarding to Boshamps Oyster House

Boshamps Oyster House is marked on the map with a pink star. If you have a little time before you return your paddle board and are looking for a bar or restaurant stop, Boshamps is the best option for a place to go with a paddle board or kayak.

It’s easy to pull your paddle board up at the Boshamps beach and walk up to the outdoor bar/dining area.

You can keep an eye on your board from anywhere on the outside deck here or grab a drink and sit on the chairs in the beach area. And do keep an eye on it.

Additional Tips and Information for Destin Kayaking and Paddle Boarding

Be Cautious Leaving Destin Harbor

I marked the area you should be cautious about going past on a paddle board with red X’s in the photo below. Strong paddlers can make it under the bridge to Crab Island on most days but beginners should base the decision of how far to go on how the currents look and how much boat traffic there is.

It seems like every summer there is at least one tourist found clinging to the bridge columns after underestimating the swift current and having their board swept away.

If you do go to Crab Island from here, stay on the side of the bridge that is closest to Harborwalk Village. It’s shallow there with calmer currents and way less boat traffic than the center of the bridge.

Do not paddle or kayak around Norriego Point into the East Pass. It’s only safe for boats over there.

Paddle Boarding or Kayaking to Crab Island

If Crab Island is the only place you are going and you have your own paddle board or kayak, you might be better off launching at the new Captain Leonard Destin Park on Calhoun Drive which has a nice kayak and paddle board launch area.

If you are renting a paddle board or kayak to go to Crab Island, Xtreme H20 Watersports has a rental location near the park and Dewey Destin’s on Calhoun Avenue. It is right across from Crab Island so it’s a much easier paddle then going from the other side of the bridge.

For more information about Crab Island in Destin, including where to rent a boat or watercraft, how to get the clearest water, the best tour companies, and everything else you need to know to plan the perfect day, check out my guide here: Crab Island in Destin, Florida: Complete Visitors Guide

Look out for other Boats on Destin Harbor

The entire Destin Harbor is a no wake zone so the boats are usually going slow in this area but the resulting waves can still throw you off balance if you are too close.

Most boaters are good about looking out for paddlers and kayaks but it’s still always best to be aware of them and steer clear.

Also, keep in mind there are a lot of inexperienced boaters on the water during the busy season in Destin from March through October.

Helpful Paddle Boarding Accessories

Dry Box

If I’m not bringing my cooler (see more below), I like to at least have a small dry box with me on the paddle board for my cell phone, wallet (in case I stop at Boshamps), sunscreen and chapstick.

The one I use is a perfect size and seals tight. I have dropped it in the water several times without issue. I always recommend at least a bungee cord hooking your dry box to the paddle board or kayak. just in case

Hard-Sided Cooler with a Flat Top

I have a Yeti Cooler which also doubles as a large dry box if I want to bring my nicer camera, a towel and a beverage or snacks. These Yeti Coolers are waterproof and they float so it’s perfect for bringing along on my paddle board or kayak.

I almost always paddle board with my cooler because it doubles as a chair if I want to sit down for a bit. For beginners, this is a great alternative for the common advice you will hear to start out by kneeling on the board until you are comfortable enough to stand. If you have a suitable cooler, this is a much easier and more comfortable option.

Sometimes I spend more time paddling while seated because it’s easy, fun and comfortable–sort of like being on a kayak without having to sit in the water the whole time.

A different cooler would also work as long as it has some weight and stability to it and you know it has a tight seal.

The Yeti cooler is a bit expensive but it’s worth the investment if you paddle often as it’s the perfect combination of a chair, a dry box and a cooler (and we all know Yeti keeps your stuff cold for days).

If you are getting a different one, take note of the dimensions of mine so you know approximately what size you will need. I’ve included the photo above of the cooler on my board so you can see the size of it compared to the paddle board.

Other Paddle Boarding Ideas in Destin

Paddle Boarding in the Winter in Destin

Can you paddle in the winter months in Destin? Absolutely. Winter is often the calmest time of year on the harbor because there are a lot fewer boats.

The main concern is staying dry in your warm clothing but many people can paddle a calm day on a sturdy board on Destin Harbor without falling in. Not recommended for beginners.

Most of the water sports companies are closed in the off-season (Dec, Jan, and Feb) so the best option for rentals this time of year is usually to try a nearby paddle board shop where you can pick up a board or have it delivered.

I have some friends and neighbors who own Wet Inc… which is a paddle board shop located next to Bric-a-Brac in the shopping center on the corner of Highway 98 and Gulf Shore Drive. They offer rentals and can usually meet you at the harbor with your board or deliver it if you are staying somewhere nearby on the water.

If you are thinking about buying a paddle board, Wet Inc. also sometimes has SUP demo days on Sundays at Norriego Point Beach where you can try out some different types of boards to help you decide which one is best for you.

Paddle Boarding Destin Harbor at Night

You can also paddle board on Destin Harbor at night if you are confident and feel safe. Make sure you have plenty of lights on your board and don’t go alone.

If you are paddle boarding in Destin at night, you are required to have a life vest on board, a whistle, and a light on yourself or on top of your board. The lights that go underneath your paddle board do not meet the light requirement because the boats can’t easily see them from a distance.

I learned that lesson the hard way when I got pulled over at night paddle boarding with my friend Chris. We were missing a few items. The cop let me off with a warning since it was my first offense but Chris got a ticket as a repeat offender.

Paddle Boarding in the Gulf of Mexico

The Gulf of Mexico is a whole different paddling experience from Destin Harbor so be sure to try this next if you are feeling confident.

It is more of a challenge to paddle board or kayak at the beach with the waves and currents so you will probably fall off your board a lot more unless it’s a super calm day. But it’s fun and you get to experience the beautiful, crystal clear water beneath your board and the beach atmosphere.

You should check the Destin Surf Report before you go paddle boarding at the beach to pick a calm day. Ideally you would want flat to 1-foot surf for paddling in the gulf. Scroll down to the graph of the 7-day advance surf height forecast here to check the surf: https://magicseaweed.com/Destin-Surf-Report/851/

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I hope you have found this post helpful in planning your upcoming paddle boarding and kayaking adventures on Destin Harbor!

Be sure to comment below if you have any questions or feedback. I love hearing from you and prefer to answer questions on here so my answers can help others as well. Don’t forget to subscribe to my email list so you don’t miss any posts!

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Hi, I’m Sarah–the creator, writer and photographer behind this site. I sell prints, books, journals, and calendars all made from my Emerald Coast photography and I also manage a few vacation rentals on beautiful Holiday Isle in Destin if you want me to be your helpful, knowledgeable host when you visit.…..🌴😃🐬 I have a few rentals including a large house with a boat slip, a 2-bedroom condo, and a 1-bedroom apartment. All are directly on Destin Harbor with private gated access to the most beautiful beaches in Destin. If you enjoy my posts, please consider supporting my blog by shopping my products. I appreciate every sale, and it helps me continue to put out quality free content for you. Thank you SO much 🙂